There were three main goals. First, our area extended a warm and enduring Welcome Home to all of the Vietnam Era veterans who never received any such welcome.

Second, our Chapter 292 celebrated its 25th anniversary as an organization under the umbrella of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc.

Third, we raised funds with which to help build the Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Memorial, to be constructed on the grounds of the State Capitol in Austin.

Through the generosity of our local area, matched by funds from the Texas Historical Commission, we were able to donate approximately $125,000 as a demonstration by the city of Beaumont and the citizens of our neighboring communities that our area does indeed remember, recognize and honor its Vietnam era veterans for their service at a dark time in our country's history.

Regarding the editorial piece published last Thursday, the opinion contained incorrect information.

On behalf of the parents and supporters of our Kountze kids, we would like to set the record straight. Please allow us to enlighten you as to the facts.

The signs are not school-sponsored. The school has nothing to do with the signs.

The signs are not made with school supplies. While the previous signs were made on school property, they were done after school hours.

Money for the purchase of materials comes from the girls and their parents, not the school. No taxpayer money was used in creating the signs.

Cheerleading, like football, is an extra-curricular activity. The making of signs and other activities takes place during non-school hours. The signs are now being made off school property at a private residence.

Cheerleaders also purchase their own uniforms so the school is not even involved with that aspect. Again, these activities involve no resources whatsoever from the school district and are in no way representative of the official position of the school district.

Had your headline actually been true, most of us would agree with you that the signs should be neutral on faith.